Arianespace to launch the ASTRA 2E satellite

Satellite operator SES has selected Arianespace for the launch of ASTRA 2E.

In the frame of the "Multi Launch Agreement" with Arianespace, the Luxemburg operator of satellites SES has confirmed today to Arianespace the launch of the ASTRA 2E satellite slated for the second semester of 2013.

Weighing more than 6,000 kg. at launch, ASTRA 2E will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 launcher from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

ASTRA 2E will be built by Astrium using a Eurostar E3000 platform. Fitted with active Ku-band and Ka-band transponders, ASTRA 2E will be positioned at 28.2 degrees East. It will deliver high-power broadcast services across all of Europe and Africa, and will offer a design life of about 15 years.

In 2011, Arianespace is to orbit the ASTRA 1N and SES 2 satellites for SES.

Over the last two decades, Arianespace and SES have developed an exceptional relationship. SES, with its ASTRA satellite platform, operates the leading direct-to-home (DTH) TV broadcast system in Europe, serving more than 135 million households via DTH and cable networks.

Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: “Arianespace is especially proud to have been selected by one of the world’s major satellite operators. We are very proud to serve SES once again and we would like to thank SES for selecting us. This is clear recognition of the quality and competitiveness of our launch Service & Solutions.”

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading launch service & solutions company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled family of launchers, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 1st 1pril 2011, Arianespace had launched with 200 Ariane launchers a total of 290 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of 20 Ariane 5 and 18 Soyuz launches, equal to more than three years of business.